"WEREGILD" is a song by Grimes from her album "Miss Anthropocene." The lyrics convey themes of transformation, fear, and the struggle to escape one's own instincts or destructive tendencies. The title "WEREGILD" refers to an old Germanic term for a payment or compensation made to settle a crime, particularly in cases of murder or injury. In the context of the song, it could be interpreted as a metaphor for the burden or price one must pay for their actions or inner turmoil. The lyrics repeatedly mention werewolves, which traditionally symbolize the conflict between human nature and animal instincts. The protagonist is depicted as a werewolf, experiencing a sense of darkness or monstrousness within themselves. They long for release from this internal struggle and find solace in the idea that the skies will brighten, symbolizing hope or a resolution to their pain. The line "My baby I can't run away" implies that the protagonist is unable to escape their own inner demons or desires. They feel trapped and seek understanding and support from a loved one. The repetition of being blinded and running away suggests a cyclical pattern of trying to avoid or deny one's true nature or emotions but ultimately being unable to do so. The repeated howling, praying, and whining reflect the protagonist's desperation for resolution or inner peace. Overall, "WEREGILD" explores the internal battle between light and darkness, the struggle to reconcile one's instincts with societal expectations, and the longing for freedom from the burdens of one's own nature.
